U.S. patent number 10,041,029 [Application Number 13/575,716] was granted by the patent office on 2018-08-07 for vessel with adjustable side drain.
This patent grant is currently assigned to PALL LIFE SCIENCES BELGIUM. The grantee listed for this patent is Patrick Dujardin, Matthew Kusz, Steven Vanhamel. Invention is credited to Patrick Dujardin, Matthew Kusz, Steven Vanhamel.
United States Patent |
10,041,029 |
Dujardin , et al. |
August 7, 2018 |
Vessel with adjustable side drain
Abstract
An apparatus for processing fluid includes a vessel provided
with a sidewall including a passage and at least partially defining
an interior compartment. A drain tube positioned in the interior
compartment may drain fluid through the passage in the sidewall.
The drain tube may be angled, and arranged such that the end in the
interior compartment may be adapted for movement as the result of
manipulation of a structure, such as a coupler, external to the
interior compartment. Accordingly, the drain tube may be positioned
along the sidewall at a reference point for movement between a
first position for draining fluid above the reference point and a
second position for draining fluid below the reference point. An
indexing feature may also be provided for incrementally adjusting
the position of the drain tube, along with an associated tool to
facilitate the adjustment. Related methods are also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Dujardin; Patrick (Outgaarden,
BE), Vanhamel; Steven (Velm, BE), Kusz;
Matthew (Minneapolis, MN) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dujardin; Patrick
Vanhamel; Steven
Kusz; Matthew |
Outgaarden
Velm
Minneapolis |
N/A
N/A
MN |
BE
BE
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
PALL LIFE SCIENCES BELGIUM
(Hoegaarden, BE)
|
Family
ID: |
44320147 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/575,716 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2011 |
PCT
Filed: |
January 28, 2011 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/US2011/022914 |
371(c)(1),(2),(4) Date: |
October 12, 2012 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO2011/094534 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
August 04, 2011 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20130037123 A1 |
Feb 14, 2013 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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61299190 |
Jan 28, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C12M
23/14 (20130101); C12M 33/00 (20130101); C12M
23/28 (20130101); Y10T 137/598 (20150401); Y10T
137/0402 (20150401) |
Current International
Class: |
F17D
1/00 (20060101); C12M 1/00 (20060101); C12M
1/26 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;137/577,579,551,553,556,559 ;422/225 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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1099471 |
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May 2001 |
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EP |
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WO2009048442 |
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Apr 2009 |
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WO |
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Other References
The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language
https://www.andictionary.com/word/search.html?q=drain drain (dr n)
2 Pages Printed Apr. 24, 2015. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Schneider; Craig
Assistant Examiner: Hicks; Angelisa L
Attorney, Agent or Firm: King & Schickli, PLLC
Parent Case Text
This application claims the Benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent App.
Ser. No. 61/299,190, filed on Jan. 28, 2010, the disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by this reference.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. An apparatus for forming a drain in a vessel including a
sidewall at least partially defining an interior compartment for
receiving a fluid, comprising: an angled drain tube for withdrawing
fluid from the interior compartment, said drain tube capable of
rotating within the interior compartment to a height of a desired
fluid level; a connector for connecting to the sidewall of the
vessel, said connector adapted for supporting the angled drain
tube; and a plurality of markings provided at intervals around a
circumference of the connector, said markings indicating a relative
position of the end portion of the drain tube within the interior
compartment from exterior to the interior compartment.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a coupler adapted
for coupling with a first end of the drain tube.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the coupler is positioned in
the connector.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, further including at least one sealing
element for sealing the coupler with the connector.
5. The apparatus of claim 2, further including a drain tube
external to the interior compartment, and wherein the coupler is
adapted for coupling with the external drain tube.
6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the coupler includes a
peripheral flange for mating with a recess of the connector.
7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the coupler comprises at least
one indicator for aligning with at least one of the plurality of
markings to indicate the relative position of the drain tube.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the plurality of markings
comprise projections, and the at least one indicator is adapted
engage the projections.
9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein markings comprise notches, and
the at least one indicator comprises a projection for engaging the
notches.
10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein an engagement between the
markings and the indicator is adapted to retard relative movement
between the connector and the drain tube.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the angled drain tube
includes an inlet adapted to rotate within a plane parallel to the
sidewall of the vessel.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the angled drain tube is
adapted to rotate substantially 360 degrees.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the angled drain tube is
adapted for rotating about a longitudinal axis.
14. An apparatus for forming a connection with a drain tube
external to a vessel including a sidewall at least partially
defining an interior compartment for receiving a fluid, said
sidewall including a connector, comprising: a coupler for forming a
sealing engagement with the connector and having a first end
adapted for engaging the external drain tube; an angled drain tube
including an inlet, said drain tube connected to the coupler and
for positioning in the interior compartment; and at least one
indicator associated with the coupler for indicating an angular
position of the inlet of the drain tube within the interior
compartment from exterior to the interior compartment.
15. An apparatus for use in processing a fluid, comprising: a
vessel adapted for receiving the fluid, the vessel having a
sidewall including a passage and at least partially defining an
interior compartment; a drain tube for positioning at least
partially in the interior compartment and draining fluid therefrom
through the passage; a connector connected to the sidewall, wherein
the drain tube is mounted for rotation relative to the connector,
said connector comprising a plurality of markings provided at a
regular interval around at least a portion of the connector; and a
coupler connected to the drain tube, said coupler adapted to rotate
with the drain tube relative to the connector, wherein the coupler
comprises at least one indicator for indicating a position of the
drain tube within the interior compartment from outside the
interior compartment based on a relative position between the
indicator and one of the plurality of markings.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the drain tube is connected
to the sidewall and extends in the interior compartment, said drain
tube including a portion having a longitudinal axis generally
aligned with a plane of the sidewall.
17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the drain tube is connected
to the sidewall and projects into the interior compartment of the
vessel.
18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the drain tube is connected
to the sidewall at a reference point, said drain tube having an
inlet adapted for movement between a first position for draining
fluid at or above the reference point and a second position for
draining fluid at or below the reference point.
19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the drain tube is rotatably
supported by the sidewall and includes an inlet, wherein rotation
of the drain tube relative to the sidewall moves the inlet in a
plane parallel to the sidewall.
20. An apparatus for forming a passage for a fluid, comprising: a
vessel including a wall with an opening forming passage in the
wall, said wall at least partially defining an interior compartment
for receiving the fluid: a drain including a drain tube projecting
through the opening and into the interior compartment of the
vessel, said tube being arranged to rotate about a longitudinal
axis of the drain tube and relative to the wall of the vessel, and
an indicator adapted to rotate with the drain tube; and a plurality
of fixed markings provided at regular intervals with respect to at
least a portion of a circumference of the opening, each marking for
indicating a relative angular position of the drain tube in the
interior compartment; wherein the relative position of the
indicator with respect to the plurality of markings identifies the
position of the drain tube relative to the vessel during
rotation.
21. A method of forming a vessel having a sidewall, comprising:
providing the vessel including a drain tube at least partially
within the vessel and connected to the sidewall at a reference
point and a plurality of markings with respect to the reference
point, said drain tube having an inlet adapted for movement between
a first position for draining fluid at or above the reference point
and a second position for draining fluid at or below the reference
point, and further comprising an indicator for rotation with the
drain tube, wherein placement of the indicator at a position with
respect to the plurality of markings indicates a position of the
inlet.
22. A method of fluid processing, comprising: providing a vessel
including a drain tube projecting through an opening in a sidewall
of the vessel, said drain tube having an inlet positioned in an
interior compartment of the vessel, and said drain tube further
including an indicator positioned outside the interior compartment
of the vessel; providing a plurality of markings around at least a
portion of a circumference of the opening; raising or lowering the
inlet to a desired position by rotating the drain tube and aligning
the indicator with one of the plurality of markings corresponding
to the desired position; and draining fluid through the drain tube.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to fluid processing and,
more specifically, to a vessel including an adjustable side
drain.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Fluid processing applications typically employ vessels for at least
temporarily receiving and containing the fluid, which is typically
a liquid. For example, in the course of bioprocessing, hermetically
sealed bags formed of flexible plastic film are often used for bulk
intermediate storage, cell culture re-suspension, viral
inactivation, final formulation, final fill, or as bioreactors. In
any case, such vessels or bags almost universally include one or
more drains for use in recovering the fluid at some point during
processing or after its completion.
Oftentimes, different applications or users of such vessels dictate
that a drain is provided in the side of the vessel at a specific
height. This could lead to the production of various types of
vessels adapted for the particular purpose of the end user.
However, with that approach, manufacturers of the vessels would
thus need to await an order before manufacturing the vessel with
the drain, or stockpile quantities of vessels having the most
desirable drain positions in anticipation of possible future
customer needs. As can be appreciated, neither practice is
considered particularly efficient or effective from a cost
standpoint.
Thus, a need is identified for a manner of providing an improved
side drain for a vessel, such as a mixing bag. The drain would be
capable of use in addressing a variety of different requirements
for the vessels, and would also be relatively easy to create and
implement. Overall, use of the novel side drain would thus lead to
a simplification of the manufacturing process and a concomitant
reduction in the expense associated with manufacturing vessels,
such as flexible bags.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the disclosure pertains to an apparatus for forming a
drain in a vessel including a sidewall at least partially defining
an interior compartment for receiving a fluid. The apparatus may
comprise an angled or bent drain tube for withdrawing fluid from
the interior compartment. The drain tube is capable of rotating
within the interior compartment. A connector is also provided for
connecting to the sidewall of the vessel. The connector is adapted
for supporting the angled drain tube.
In one possible embodiment, a coupler is adapted for coupling with
a first end of the drain tube. Preferably, the coupler is
positioned in the connector. The apparatus may include at least one
sealing element for sealing the coupler with the connector, and may
further include a drain tube external to the interior compartment,
such that the coupler is adapted for coupling with the external
drain tube. The coupler may include a peripheral flange for mating
with a recess of the connector.
The angled drain tube may comprise a first leg extending generally
perpendicular to a second leg. Preferably, the second leg is longer
than the first leg. Most preferably, a distance from a floor of the
vessel to the connector substantially matches a length of the
second leg of the drain tube.
Another aspect disclosed herein is an apparatus for forming a
connection with a drain tube external to a vessel including a
sidewall at least partially defining an interior compartment for
receiving a fluid. The sidewall includes a connector, and the
apparatus comprises a coupler for forming a sealing engagement with
the connector and having a first end adapted for engaging the
external drain tube. An angled drain tube is connected to the
coupler and for positioning in the interior compartment.
A further aspect of the disclosure is an apparatus for use in
processing a fluid. The apparatus comprises a vessel adapted for
receiving the fluid, the vessel having a sidewall including a
passage and at least partially defining an interior compartment. A
drain tube is provided for positioning at least partially in the
interior compartment and draining fluid therefrom through the
passage.
In one possible embodiment, the apparatus includes a coupler
adapted for coupling with a first end of the drain tube in the
interior compartment. Preferably, the coupler is positioned at
least partially within a tubular connector connected to the
sidewall of the vessel. At least one sealing element may be
provided for sealing the coupler with the connector. A second drain
tube external to the interior compartment may be provided, and the
coupler may be further adapted for coupling with the external drain
tube. The coupler may also include a peripheral flange for mating
with a recess of the connector.
The drain tube may comprise a first leg extending generally
perpendicular to a second leg. Preferably, the second leg has a
length greater than the first leg. The drain tube may also connect
with a tubular connector connected to the sidewall of the
vessel.
A first end of drain tube may include an inlet for receiving fluid
in the interior compartment. This first end including the inlet for
receiving fluid in the interior compartment preferably does not lie
on the same linear axis as a second end of the drain tube. As such,
the tube may be considered angled or curved.
Still a further aspect of the invention is an apparatus for forming
a drain for a fluid. The apparatus comprises a vessel adapted for
receiving the fluid and including a sidewall at least partially
defining an interior compartment. A drain tube is connected to the
sidewall and extending in the interior compartment, and includes a
portion having a longitudinal axis generally aligned with a plane
of the sidewall. Preferably, the longitudinal axis is generally
parallel to the plane of the sidewall, which is more preferably
generally vertical when the vessel is filled with fluid.
An additional aspect of this disclosure pertains to an apparatus
for forming a fluid drain. The apparatus comprises a vessel adapted
for receiving a fluid and including a top wall and a bottom wall
connected by at least one flexible sidewall so at to at least
partially define an interior compartment for receiving a fluid. A
drain tube is connected to the flexible sidewall and projects into
the interior compartment of the vessel.
Preferably, the apparatus further includes a connector connected to
the sidewall of the vessel, and wherein the drain tube is mounted
for rotation relative to the connector. The apparatus may include a
coupler for coupling the drain tube to the connector. Preferably,
the drain tube includes a first portion extending at an angle
relative to a second portion and, most preferably, the angle
comprises about 90.degree..
Still another aspect of the disclosure is an apparatus for forming
a drain for a fluid. The apparatus comprises a vessel including a
sidewall at least partially forming an interior compartment for
receiving the fluid. A drain tube is connected to the sidewall at a
reference point, and includes having an inlet adapted for movement
between a first position for draining fluid at or above the
reference point and a second position for draining fluid at or
below the reference point.
Still a further aspect of the disclosure is an apparatus for
forming a drain for a fluid. The apparatus comprises a vessel
adapted for receiving the fluid and including a sidewall. The
apparatus further includes a drain tube rotatably supported by the
sidewall and having an inlet, wherein rotation of the drain tube
relative to the sidewall moves the inlet in a plane parallel to the
sidewall.
In any of the embodiments of the invention, the drain tube may be
L-shaped and is preferably rigid. The drain tube may also be
curved. The vessel may comprise a flexible bag. The apparatus in
any of the disclosed embodiments may further include: (1) means for
indexing the drain tube relative to the vessel (which may include
at least one identification external to the interior compartment
corresponding to the position of the drain tube relative to the
vessel; or (2) means for forcing fluid to flow through the drain
tube (such as a pump).
Yet another disclosed aspect is an apparatus for forming a passage
for a fluid. The apparatus comprises a vessel including a wall at
least partially defining an interior compartment for receiving the
fluid. A tube projects into the interior compartment of the vessel,
and is arranged to rotate relative to the wall of the vessel. At
least one identification corresponds to the position of the drain
tube relative to the vessel during rotation.
In one possible embodiment, the apparatus further includes an
indicator for indicating the position of the drain tube relative to
the at least one identification. The apparatus may further include
a grip associated with the drain tube. Preferably, the grip
comprises a flange adapted for receiving a tool.
This disclosure also provides for a method of processing a fluid
using the apparatus as disclosed, as well as a method of forming a
vessel having a sidewall. The forming method comprises providing
the vessel including a drain tube connected to the sidewall at a
reference point. The drain tube includes an inlet adapted for
movement between a first position for draining fluid at or above
the reference point and a second position for draining fluid at or
below the reference point. The method may further include the step
of rotating the drain tube, such as from the first position to the
second position or vice-versa. The steps of draining or pumping
fluid through the tube may also be performed.
A final aspect of the disclosure mentioned herein is a method of
fluid processing. The method comprises providing a vessel including
a drain tube having an inlet positioned in an interior compartment
of the vessel. The method further includes the step of raising or
lowering the inlet by rotating the drain tube.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a vessel with an adjustable
drain according to one aspect of the disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a schematic end view of the drain tube inside the
vessel;
FIG. 3 is an exploded, cross-sectional view of an assembly
including the drain tube;
FIGS. 4-10 are schematic views illustrating various possible modes
of use of the adjustable side drain according to the
disclosure;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an indexing feature that may
optionally be provided in association with an adjustable drain;
and
FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a tool used in connection
with the adjustable drain of FIG. 11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Reference is now made to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, which together
illustrate one possible embodiment of an adjustable drain 10 for a
vessel V. Preferably, this vessel V comprises a disposable tank or
bag of the type used in processing fluids, including under sterile
conditions, such for preparing biological agents, pharmaceutical
preparations, or the like. In the most preferred embodiment, the
vessel V comprises one or more sidewalls W that fully or at least
partially define the interior compartment I for receiving a fluid.
The one or more sidewalls W are preferably made of a thin,
flexible, plastic film, which means the resulting vessel V can be
collapsed or folded and, when filled, may adapt to the shape
dictated by the fluid in the interior compartment I. The sidewall W
may be contrasted with the top wall T and the bottom wall M, which
also defines a floor F along the interior compartment I. When the
container comprises a flexible bag, it may be necessary or
desirable to provide a support structure, such as a rigid outer
container (not shown), for supporting the bag such that the one or
more sidewalls W are oriented in a generally vertical direction.
Impellers, spargers, or sensors may also be incorporated into the
vessel V, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,481,572 and 7,384,027,
the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
With continued reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the adjustable drain 10
in the illustrated embodiment attaches to a portion of one sidewall
W of the vessel V (as contrasted with the top wall T or the bottom
wall M). Preferably, a connector 12 connected to this vessel
sidewall W includes a passage P that, in the unobstructed
condition, forms a port or opening from the exterior of the vessel
V into the interior compartment I. This passage P is adapted for
receiving a coupler 14 for connecting at one end with a drain tube
16 in fluid communication with the interior compartment I of the
vessel V, preferably at an inlet E (which may be the end of the
tube and entirely open to fluid flow, perforated with one or more
openings, or both). However, it is possible to omit the connector
12 and/or coupler 14 such that the drain tube 16 extends through an
opening forming a passage in the vessel sidewall W in a sealed
fashion. It is also possible to combine one or more of these parts
into a single structure while retaining the basic
functionality.
For reasons that will be better understood upon reviewing the
discussion that follows, at least the portion of drain tube 16 in
the interior compartment I is arranged to have an angular
configuration (with angular meaning that the tube is not linear,
but not necessarily defining a precise or fixed angular
relationship, and covering the situation where the tube is curved
or bent). Most preferably, this tube 16 includes a first portion
including the inlet E, such as leg 16a, with a longitudinal axis X
perpendicular to the plane of the sidewall W and a second portion,
such as leg 16b, having a longitudinal axis Y that extends in a
direction parallel to this plane. Thus, as should be appreciated,
these axes X, Y are generally orthogonal, and render the tube 16
generally L-shaped. However, it is possible to use other angled
configurations, such as bends or curves, without departing from the
broadest aspects of this disclosure. In such cases, it should be
appreciated that the distal or inlet E end of the tube 16 is not
provided on the same linear axis as the proximal or opposite end of
the tube.
The opposite end of the coupler 14 may be adapted for connecting to
a structure outside the interior compartment I, such as for example
a stopper or plug prior to use (and preferably such that a sterile
condition may be maintained in the vessel V) or a second external
drain tube 18 for furthering the conveyance of the drained fluid.
In such case, this end of the coupler 14 preferably includes a
projection 14a (such as a barb) or is otherwise arranged for
engaging this exterior drain tube 18 in a fluid-tight manner. The
end of this drain tube 18 opposite the end associated with coupler
14 may be arranged to deliver the fluid to any desired location or
device, including possibly another vessel for additional
processing.
For purposes of being secured to the vessel V, the connector 12 may
include a peripheral mounting flange 12a. This flange 12a includes
substantially planar upper and lower faces adapted for connecting
to the sidewall W adjacent a passage or opening therein, such as by
welding, bonding, or other type of secure and substantially
permanent connection. Adjacent to the interior compartment, this
flange 12a bounds the inner end of the passage P formed in the
connector 12. If present, the external drain tube 18 at the other
end of the passage P is preferably oversized, and thus may abut
with the adjacent surface of the connector 12.
The relative position of this end of the coupler 14 external to the
vessel V may be controlled by a flange 14b adapted to mate in
seating engagement with a matching recess 12b formed in the portion
of the connector 12 facing the interior compartment I of the vessel
V. Together with the oversized end of the external drain tube 18 or
like structure, this flange 14b serves to capture the coupler 14
within the passage P. The coupler 14 may also include one or more
sealing elements 14c, such as O-rings, mounted in a corresponding
indentation (probably annular) or otherwise integrally formed.
These sealing elements 14c are positioned such that, when the
flange 14b is seated in the recess 12b, these sealing elements form
a fluid impervious seal, but still allow for the coupler 14 to
rotate freely relative to the connector 12.
In addition to interfacing with the connector 12, the coupler 14 as
mentioned above also securely connects with the adjacent end of the
first leg 16a of drain tube 16 in the interior compartment I. This
connection is preferably done in a manner that not only forms a
fluid tight seal, but also one that supports the drain tube 16 in a
manner such that any rotation of the coupler 14 is transmitted to
this drain tube 16. For instance, such a connection may be achieved
by integrally forming the parts, such as through molding or
welding, or by using a friction or interference fit. Regardless of
the manner of connection, it may be desirable in certain
embodiments that rotational movement can be transmitted from
outside the vessel V to the drain tube 16 in the interior
compartment I.
Thus, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 together, it can be
understood that the angled interior drain tube 16 may be rotated
substantially 360.degree. (note arcuate action arrow R) remotely
from the interior compartment I, such as by rotating the external
tube 18, which in turn rotates coupler 14 connected to this tube.
Using the external tube 18 as a dial in this manner moves the end E
of the angled drain tube 16 from a maximum height B.sub.max
corresponding to the twelve o'clock position in the illustrated
orientation in the interior compartment I, to a minimum height
B.sub.min corresponding to the six o'clock position, and to any
point between. The axis of rotation is formed by the longitudinal
axis X of the first leg 16a of the drain tube 16, which is at fixed
height A in the interior compartment I as the result of the
selected positioning of the associated connector 12.
Some of the benefits and advantages arising from use of the drain
10 described above are best understood with reference to FIGS.
4-10. FIG. 4 illustrates the drain 10 with the interior or first
drain tube 16 arranged as shown in FIG. 1 (and as also shown by a
front schematic view of the drain for purposes of illustrating the
relative movement only), with the second leg 16b extending in a
direction generally opposite the direction of gravity G (or
vertically). When so oriented, fluid at a level H.sub.1 in the
vessel V flows via gravitational force through the end of this
drain tube 16, through the passage formed by coupler 14, and out to
the exterior via the external drain tube 18. This evacuation will
occur until the fluid surface is level with the inlet of the
interior tube 16, as shown by height H.sub.2. The fluid is shown as
being visually stratified for purposes of illustration only.
Given the ability of the coupler 14 to rotate relative to the
connector 12, it should be appreciated that the drain 10 may be
manipulated to reposition the drain tube 16 in the interior
compartment I as desired for a particular fluid recovery operation.
For instance, if it is desired to recover fluid to a certain level
less than the height H.sub.2 of the inlet E of the interior drain
tube 16 in the fully vertical orientation, this tube may be rotated
to a desired position, such as through the manipulation of the
external tube 18. In this intermediate position, as shown in FIG.
5, it can be understood that fluid would flow through the inlet of
the first tube 16 through connector 14 and second tube 18, until
the height reaches the point where the fluid no longer enters the
inlet, as identified by height H.sub.3 (which of course corresponds
to the lowermost edge of the inner surface of the tube 16, adjacent
the inlet).
FIG. 6 shows the first drain tube 16 reoriented such that the
longitudinal axis of the second leg 16b is substantially aligned in
the same plane as the longitudinal axis of the first leg 16a. In
this manner and using only gravity, the fluid may be withdrawn to
any selected height between height H.sub.2 and height H.sub.4. This
is generally the lowest position in which fluid evacuation may be
meaningfully achieved solely by gravity.
Despite this limitation on free flow, it should be understood that
the first drain tube 16 may continue to be rotated to a position in
which its inlet is below height H.sub.4 corresponding to the plane
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first leg 16a, as shown in
FIG. 7. In this position, fluid evacuation requires a form of force
or leverage, either by way of increasing the pressure within the
interior compartment I of the vessel V, or decreasing the pressure
exterior to the interior compartment in a manner that causes fluid
to be evacuated through the tube 16. The latter may be achieved by
using a means for forcing fluid through the tube 16, such as by way
of a conventional pump (not shown) or the like, or even by manual
siphoning. The lowest position of the interior drain tube 16 is
shown in FIG. 8, as corresponding to a height H.sub.6, which is the
minimum level of evacuation that may be achieved using an auxiliary
means (at least until the inner end E of the tube 16 is no longer
submerged).
It should be appreciated that the maximum and minimum working
heights of the interior drain tube 16 may be altered based upon the
relative positioning of the connector 12 along the sidewall W, as
well as the length, orientation (e.g., angle or bend) and, to some
extent, the shape of the second leg 16b. For instance, positioning
the connector 12 along a lowermost portion of the sidewall W may
allow fluid to be substantially evacuated from the interior
compartment with the drain tube 16 having its inlet E adjacent to
or in contact with the floor F.
Turning to FIGS. 9 and 10, each of which includes front and end
views of a vessel V, it can be appreciated that the adjustable
drain 10 disclosed may also be used to achieve the functions
normally accomplished using a dip tube. For example, in FIG. 9, the
interior drain tube 16 is provided at a position in the upper
corner of the vessel V and having a length such that the inlet E is
adjacent to or in contact with the floor F. Thus, by using external
force, such as applied from a pump, fluid from the interior
compartment I may be evacuated from a height D.sub.1 all the way
down to the floor F, which thus means that the vessel V may be
substantially fully drained (that is, D.sub.2=0). Alternatively, as
shown in FIG. 10, the drain tube 16 may be repositioned to remove
the fluid to a particular level D.sub.3.
As briefly noted above, it is preferred to make the vessel V and
all of its components of disposable materials, such as plastics. In
the case where the sidewall W of the vessel V is flexible (meaning
it can assume the shape of the fluid in the absence of additional
support), the components of the drain 10 are all more rigid that
the flexible sidewall W. In any case, the interior drain tube 16
should be sufficiently rigid that the inlet E can be positioned at
a known or desired position by rotating the coupler 14.
FIGS. 11 and 12 are directed to an optional feature that may be
used to determine the relative position of a drain tube, such as
the angled drain tube 16, from exterior to the interior compartment
I. In the illustrated embodiment, this feature comprises means for
indexing the position of the interior drain tube 16. Preferably,
this means for indexing includes one or more identifications, such
as visible markings 20, corresponding to various positions on a
structure fixed to the vessel V, such as connector 12 (which is
shown including a barb for interfacing with the drain tube 16 in
the interior compartment I). These markings 20 may comprise
indentations or projections provided at a regular interval around
the circumference of a second flange 12c of the connector 12. One
or more corresponding indicators 22 may be associated with a part
moving in connection with the rotation of the drain tube 16, but
external to the interior compartment I (for instance, a flange 14d
on coupler 14, which as noted above is rotatably positioned at
least partially within connector 12). Frictional engagement between
the opposing faces of the second flange 12c and the flange 14d may
also help to retard the relative rotational movement of the
connector 12, and thus hold the drain tube 16 in the desired
position. In the case where the markings 20 comprise projections
(such as raised bumps), the indicator 22 may be such that it can be
captured and retained by one or more of the projections to restrain
the relative movement. Alternatively, the indicator 22 may comprise
a bump, and the projections may take the form of mating
notches.
As should be appreciated, this indexing feature allows the user to,
at a minimum, ascertain the angular position of the inlet E of the
drain tube 16 within the interior compartment I. This is true even
if this tube cannot be perceived from external to the vessel V,
such as due to an opaque material forming the sidewall W or a
cloudy fluid in the interior compartment I. The feature may also
help to assist in retaining the relative position of the drain tube
16.
FIGS. 11 and 12 together also illustrate another optional feature,
which comprises a grip for facilitating the act of rotating the
coupler 14. Preferably, the grip comprises a generally polygonal
flange 24 adapted for engaging a corresponding tool, such as a
wrench 26, to effect rotation of the coupler 14 in the desired
manner. This feature allows the user to alter the position of the
drain tube 16 in an easy, repeatable, and precise fashion in order
to achieve the desired draining objective, such as for draining
fluid from a position above or below the connector 12.
In summary, the disclosed adjustable side drain 10 may be used to
advantage by allowing the manufacturer to provide a single type of
vessel V that simultaneously meets the particular needs or demands
of many customers. Advantageously, the need for storing a plurality
of specially adapted vessels until an order is made can be
eliminated, since the drain 10 may be adjusted to accommodate the
needs associated with particular uses. This may not only reduce
warehousing and tracking costs, but also the resultant shorter
manufacturing time and the lack of involved techniques also helps
to enhance efficiency. An optional indexing feature may also be
provided to allow the position of the drain tube within the
interior compartment of the vessel to be easily and accurately
determined.
The foregoing descriptions of various embodiments of the invention
are provided for purposes of illustration, and are not intended to
be exhaustive or limiting. Modifications or variations are also
possible in light of the above teachings. For example, if the
angled drain tube 16 need not rotate or move, then the connector 12
could be formed as an integral part and attached to the vessel V.
The embodiments described above were chosen to provide the best
application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to
utilize the disclosed inventions in various embodiments and with
various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the
scope of the invention.
* * * * *
References